On Tuesday 20 January, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) will launch its campaign to secure a ‘YES’ vote in the forthcoming marriage equality referendum.

USI believes that equal access to civil marriage in Ireland is one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation and that students have a valuable role to play in making this a reality.

At the official launch of Students for Marriage Equality, plans for the coming months on how to win the referendum will be outlined, along with hearing first-hand accounts of why marriage equality is important to individual students.

USI President, Laura Harmon, said:

“Students have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Ireland more equal in the upcoming referendum on marriage equality. It is clear that students want to live in a more inclusive and egalitarian society. Access to marriage equality is a crucial part of this. USI has registered over 20,000 students to vote, and we plan to add to this number over the coming months. We know students are excited by the referendum and anxious to have their voices heard on the issue of marriage equality in Ireland. ”

USI VP Equality and Citizenship, Annie Hoey, said:

“Students for Marriage Equality is the campaign by students and for students, in preparation for the upcoming referendum on marriage equality.”

She continued:

“The campaign is designed to engage students on the issues of marriage equality, and to mobilise students to vote on polling day. It is the platform for students to build support for the referendum and put students in the centre of history”.

Student case studies will be on-hand at the event to discuss their reasons for seeking a yes vote – including engaged same-sex couples

A website and video will be released at the event and will be available for linking and download.

Annie Hoey, USI VP for Equality and Citizenship, will be available for interview